Anti-war newspaper is blocked from reporting as Chilcot report on Iraq is published

by Nick Clark

Published Tue 28 Jun 2016

Issue No. 2510

Part of the two million-strong anti-war protest in London on 15 February 2003 (Pic: Jess Hurd)

Socialist Worker has been blocked from reporting from the publication of the Chilcot report into the Iraq war.

A press spokesperson told Socialist Worker last week that its reporters would not be given access to the official media event.

The Chilcot report is set to be published on 6 July. It is reported to contain heavy criticism of warmonger and former Labour prime minister Tony Blair for his role in launching the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

The official publication event in central London will include a media “lock-in” where journalists will get a first look at the report’s executive summary.

There will also be a statement from the report’s author John Chilcot.

Despite applying for press access several weeks ago, Socialist Worker was told its reporter would not be allowed in due to “a limited number of spaces”.